My Quiet Rock

I seem to spend a lot of time talking about my youngest son, and not so much about my oldest. However, I do not know how I would have made it without my son, Makale. He is my quiet rock.

Makale has always been very quiet, laid back, and supportive. He has been such an amazing help since Allen's injury. Being an 11 year old boy when his Dad was injured made him grow up much faster than he should have. Sometimes that makes me sad, but he seems to have taken it all in stride. He has had a lot of added responsibility put on him, and he rarely complains. Don't get me wrong, he is a teenager, but when it really matters, he does what he is asked and really steps up to the plate.

In some ways, he really has become the man of the house. There have been many times he has had to step in to take care of his brother, a place Allen normally would have been. This can be as simple as taking his brother to the restroom when we are out, to helping give him a shower. When we have went on wounded warrior trips, Makale has had to really take care of his brother because I am busy taking care of Allen. These aren't things other kids his age are having to do, but Makale does them often times without being asked. In many ways, he hasn't been able to finish being a kid, but he doesn't seem to mind.

Not only does he help with his brother, but he also helps with Allen. He has been very strong in many frightening situations. He just seems to take it all in, and is able to shake it all off when it's over. I know there are times when he gets really disappointed because he's had to give up so much, but he really is able to rise above that and keep a positive outlook on life. Allen coached his basketball team when he got deployed and had to leave in the middle of the season. Sadly, he has not been able to do this again, for either of the boys. That is something they will never have with their dad, but they focus on the fact that they at least have him here.

Makale's personality allows us to easily look over all that he does. He would much rather have it this way as he does not like to be the center of attention. He's happy to have the attention focused on Allen or Dreyson. However, I wanted to take this time to focus on him, my quiet rock. I love you Makale, and appreciate all you do for our family. Your strength and hard work amaze me everyday. You are an amazing young man, and I am so proud of you!! I know you will grow up to be someone special!!

Even Now......Gina